Senior Tunnel Geotechnical Engineer: Lead Projects

CDM Smith; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer specialized in tunnels and underground structures to play a key technical and leadership role on complex infrastructure projects. You will apply geotechnical engineering, soil-structure interaction, underground design, and subsurface investigations while mentoring teams and enhancing QA/QC practices.

You will lead design efforts, guide multidisciplinary teams, develop standards, and engage with clients to deliver world‑class tunneling solutions

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geotechnical, Mining, Tunneling, Structural Engineering, or related discipline.
• Professional Engineer license (PE).
• 10 years of related experience.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Performs structural and geotechnical analyses and design for tunnels and underground structures.
• Develops and implements design approach for 2D and 3D analyses and cross-checks.
• Develops calculation packages and contract documents related to geotechnics, tunnels, and underground structures.
• Communicates design requirements to drawings and specifications.
• Provides technical leadership to drafters and junior staff.
• Oversees geotechnical investigation programs for tunneling projects.
• Develops/writes geotechnical reports (data, interpretive, baseline).
• Performs risk workshops and cost estimate efforts.
• Reviews shop drawings and provides technical support on complex issues.
• Provides field engineering oversight on tunneling projects.
• Supports QA/QC initiatives and design standard development.
• Collaborates with sales to respond to RFPs and reviews proposals.

Skills

CADD 3D

Geotechnical engineering

Engineering principles

Excel/Word

Engineering drawings

Numerical analysis software

Education

Bachelors in Civil/Geotechnical/Mining/Tunneling/Structural

PE license

10 years experience

Equivalent experience accepted

Travel willingness

Job description

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer specialized in tunnels and underground structures to play a key technical and leadership role on complex infrastructure projects. You will apply geotechnical engineering, soil-structure interaction, underground design, and subsurface investigations while mentoring teams and enhancing QA/QC practices.

You will lead design efforts, guide multidisciplinary teams, develop standards, and engage with clients to deliver world‑class tunneling solutions